Spring 2013 Ethics Syllabus

Goals of the Course

To understand, use, and critically evaluate standard ethical theories such as deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics.

To review and consider a variety of contemporary meta-ethical
theories such as evolutionary ethics, moral psychology, and game theory.

To develop your own view of the nature of ethics and a model for ethical analysis and decision-making.

To develop a theory about our moral obligations (if any) to provide international relief and development aid.

Course Description

This introductory ethics course surveys traditional ethical theories
using both primary and secondary philosophical literature, and surveys
major contemporary research in moral psychology, evolutionary ethics,
and the application of game theory to ethics. Throughout the course we
consider applied ethical problems, culminating in a focus on ethical
issues in international aid and development. For theoretical
background, we read selections from Aristotle, Kant, Mill, Rawls, as
well as contemporary writers such as Franz de Waal (Primates and
Philosophers), Jonathan Haidt, and Daniel Dennett. For development
ethics we will read essays by Peter Singer and his critics, some virtue
ethics, and contemporary critics and advocates of international aid,
such as Sachs, Easterly, and Moyo.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on their achievement of the course goals through the following methods: